Ground beef, tender rice, smoky spices, and melty smoked gouda come together in this Smoky Gouda and Beef Casserole for an easy one-pot dinner the whole family will love. Rich, hearty, and full of comforting flavor, it's the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you're craving a cozy homemade meal.
Preheat a Dutch oven to medium-high heat and add the avocado oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook for 7-10 minutes until fully cooked.
Once the beef has cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Saute for 1-2 minutes until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant.
Next, add the smoked paprika, onion powder, ground mustard, thyme, salt, and black pepper, then mix. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and heavy cream.
Stir in the uncooked rice. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let cook for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally so the rice doesn't stick to the bottom.
Once the rice has cooked, top it with gouda cheese and place it in the oven at 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes until it the cheese has melted and is nice and bubbly.
Top with freshly chopped chives and serve immediately. Enjoy!